LC4A Plans "Tequila Mockingbird" Street Party Fundraiser

Okay--Tequila Mockingbird: How clever is that name? I mean really.

Let me rewind. I was chatting yesterday with Gabriel Castillo, who was just officially hired as the Executive Director of the Laredo Center for the Arts, and who has been running the LC4A used bookstore. I wanted to let Gabriel know about the generous donation coming his way from Family Guy producer Kara Vallow and her friends and coworkers; turns out, he already knew. He and Kara, he said, have been e-mailing back and forth for a week, and the FIVE boxes she sent out are due at LC4A any day now. While I had Gabriel, I thought I'd ask a few questions on how LC4A has been doing. And I want you all to get the update from him:

"I am happy to report that the community has responded beautifully to our fundraising efforts and to our bookstore," Gabriel said. "It’s especially gratifying for me to see so many young people come by to read or purchase books. The books are very affordable: $1 for paperback to $6 for hardcover."

Gabriel added--and this moved me to no end--"I must admit we have some kids who can’t afford even that, so we simply give them the books and explain that if they ever want to return them we will gladly accept them back."

How amazing is that? For so many reasons: first, the heartbreaking fact that $1 a book is out of reach for many children, teens, and young adults in Laredo. Second, that despite that, these kids and adults WANT to read--which I've always known, and that's why quotes like the infamous Wall Street Journal one get me so riled up. (To refresh your memory: "Laredo is a poor city filled with immigrants who don't speak English, let alone read it.") And third, that the community has come together to place books in these kids' hands with no conditions--no price, no due dates. It gives me goosebumps.

LC4A is having its first book signing this Thursday, April 8. Don Hendon, author of 365 Ways to Influence, is a former Laredoan. He asked for the book signing reception and, says Gabriel, "We gladly agreed."

Now for Tequila Mockingbird:

"[The Center] has a very enthusiastic board of directors," Gabriel said. "The board is planning a fundraiser with proceeds going to the bookstore. Several years ago, the Center had an annual tequila tasting party, closing the streets surrounding the Center for a rousing fiesta complete with live music, Mexican antojitos, and a silent auction. The group is reviving the event, calling it the Tequila Mockingbird Street Party."

The Tequila Mockingbird Street Party is scheduled for Friday, April 30, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Ross and Friends will provide the music, and Laredo's historic La Posada Hotel is donating some of the food. L&F Distributors, along with several other local corporate and foundation donors, are co-sponsoring the event. Tickets are $20 pre-sale and $25 at the door with a cash bar. Funds raised by the Tequila Mockingbird Street Party (can you tell I just love saying it?) will go toward maintenance, payroll, and additional marketing for the bookstore.

Laredoans and supporters in surrounding areas: Will you be there?? And I'd love to hear from anyone who has either donated books or been to LC4A in person!